Differentiation of rat mesenchymal stem cells transplanted into the subretinal space of sodium iodate-injected rats

Purpose: The differentiation of rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) was investigated in a retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) damage model induced by the administration of sodium iodate. Methods: Cultured rat MSCs were transfected with enhanced green fluorescent protein and transplanted into the subretinal space of rats injected 4 days earlier with sodium iodate. Immunofluorescence analysis was performed 5 weeks later. Results: The transduction efficiency was 99.9%. Viable MSCs were detected 5 weeks after transplantation, mainly in the subretinal space. The cells expressed pan‐cytokeratin, glial fibrillary acidic protein and rhodopsin. Conclusions: Bone marrow MSCs transplanted into the subretinal space of sodium iodate‐injected rats have the ability to differentiate into RPE, photoreceptor and glial lineage cells.